The cost to repair a garage after a vehicle drives through it ranges from a few hundred dollars for a single bent panel to over $25,000 for a full structural rebuild with a new commercial door and operator. Where your job lands depends on what was damaged and how badly.
This guide covers the most common damage scenarios, realistic 2026 cost ranges in BC, and how ICBC or home and building insurance affects what you actually pay out of pocket.
Common Damage Scenarios and Cost Ranges
| Damage Type | Typical Cost (CAD, 2026) | Who Usually Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Single bent panel replacement (residential) | $400 – $900 | ICBC or home insurance |
| Full residential sectional door replacement | $1,200 – $3,500 | ICBC or home insurance |
| Residential door + operator replacement | $2,000 – $5,000 | ICBC or home insurance |
| Commercial sectional door replacement | $3,500 – $12,000 | ICBC or building insurance |
| Commercial rolling steel door replacement | $6,000 – $20,000+ | ICBC or building insurance |
| Structural header repair (framing only, subcontracted) | $2,000 – $8,000 | ICBC or building insurance |
| Full commercial door + structural header rebuild | $8,000 – $25,000+ | ICBC or building insurance |
| Garage fire damage restoration | $10,000 – $35,000+ | Home or building insurance |
Ranges reflect Metro Vancouver market pricing in 2026. Actual cost depends on door size, material, brand, operator type, and the extent of structural damage. Get a written estimate before agreeing to any repair scope.
What Drives the Cost Up or Down
Door type and size
A standard 9×8 foot residential sectional door costs significantly less than a 16×14 foot insulated commercial steel door. Specialty doors, fire-rated, high-speed, or aluminum full-view, carry a premium over standard steel sectional. On the commercial side, custom-size doors often require factory ordering, which extends the timeline and adds cost.
Structural damage
This is where repair costs jump unexpectedly. If the vehicle hit high enough to bend or crack the header framing above the opening, the structural repair must be completed and certified before a new door can be safely installed. That structural scope is separate from the door cost and typically adds $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the extent and whether a beam or post was affected.
Operator and hardware damage
LiftMaster and Manaras commercial operators range from $800 to $3,500 installed, depending on the model and duty rating. If the vehicle impact destroyed the operator mount, rail, or wiring, that adds to the total scope. A full system replacement — door, track, operator, and structural header — is the most common heavy-impact scenario and typically falls in the $8,000 to $20,000 range for commercial properties.
Insurance and ICBC: What You Actually Pay
Someone else hit your garage
If an identified BC motorist caused the damage, this is an ICBC third-party property damage claim. ICBC pays on the at-fault driver’s behalf, but at actual cash value with depreciation applied, not replacement cost. On a five-to-ten-year-old commercial door, ICBC may offer 40 to 60 percent of the full repair cost. The gap between their offer and the actual cost is your out-of-pocket expense unless it’s negotiated with a professionally prepared estimate.
You drove through your own garage
This is a home insurance claim, not an ICBC claim. ICBC covers your vehicle with optional Collision coverage; it doesn’t cover the building. Your home or building insurance covers the structural damage. Your deductible, typically $500 to $2,500 for residential properties, applies. See our page on hitting your own garage and insurance in BC for a full walkthrough.
Fire damage
Fire is always a home or building insurance claim. ICBC doesn’t cover fire damage to property. Standard building insurance covers the garage structure, the door, the operator, and any attached property damaged in the fire.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
The ranges above are starting points. The only way to know what your job actually costs is an on-site assessment of the specific damage. We provide same-day written estimates across Metro Vancouver, formatted for ICBC adjusters and insurance brokers.
Call (604) 206-5727 or request an assessment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair a garage door after a car drives through it in BC?
A single bent residential panel can be as low as $400 to $900. A full commercial door and structural header rebuild can exceed $25,000. Most jobs fall somewhere between $1,200 and $12,000 depending on the door type, size, and how far the damage extended into the framing above the opening.
Will ICBC pay the full cost to replace my garage door?
Not automatically. ICBC pays actual cash value with depreciation applied, not what a new door costs today. On an older door, that gap can be significant. A detailed, line-item written estimate is the most effective way to recover as much as possible under the claim. Call (604) 206-5727 to get one.
Does home insurance or ICBC cover it if I drive into my own garage?
Home insurance covers the building. ICBC optional Collision covers your vehicle. These are two separate claims to two separate insurers. ICBC Basic Autoplan doesn’t cover property you own, only your legal liability to others.
How long does it take to get a garage door replaced after an accident in Metro Vancouver?
Standard replacement doors are typically available within a few days. Custom or specialty commercial doors may require a factory order, which can add two to four weeks. Structural work has to be completed and certified before the door goes in, so that can affect the overall timeline.
